Guard system with interchangeable elements

ABSTRACT

An assembly of a water directing device and gutter guard method is provided. The water directing device includes a first planar body portion that rests on a building&#39;s subroof or roofing elements, a second body portion proceeding the first that is forwardly and downwardly curved, a third body portion positioned beneath the second body portion: the third body portion defining a receiving channel, and a fourth body portion that extends downward from the third body portion. The water directing device is positioned so that its second body portion is both beneath and present after the terminal edge of a roof cover. As water flows off the roof cover the second portion will direct such onto a water permeable porous material; the material prevents debris from entering an underlying rain gutter and will having water directing elements embedded within that direct and facilitate water flow through the porous material.

BACKGROUND PRIOR ART I. General Overview

The invention relates to the field of gutter guard devices that prevent the entrance of debris into a rain gutter, redirect water flow, and offer effective means of attachment to a building structure.

In my U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,598,532 and 7,191,564 I teach that any fine filtration membrane contacted on it's underside across a limited surface area by downward extending planes creates strong water flow paths, at the point of contact between filtration member and underlying planes, that clean the overlying membranes of organic oil and scum and/or shingle oil that tend to adhere to and waterproof prior art and cause it to channel water past a rain gutter rather than down into it. In my U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,077 I teach an alternate way of creating such efficacious water flow paths by either contacting the underside of such filter membranes with underlying inseams or by incorporating the filter membranes into the inseam in such a manner that a supportive skeletal structure forms the outer walls of an inseam and the filtration membrane: the inner walls. I additionally teach that the filtration membrane may be independently inseamed creating similar self cleaning water flow paths. This art had not been previously taught in field 52/12.

My prior art as embodied in two commercial gutter guard products was noted in a Consumer Reports® test as a “Best Buy” in both dealer installed an Do-it-yourself categories in a fall 2011 issue of their magazine. The two products named “Best Buy”: Leaffilter® and Gutter Glove® employ the “filtration membrane over downward extending planes” technology. An independent test of major gutter guard technologies by noted Home Improvement author Tim Carter, accessible presently at www.askthebuilder.com, recognized a product: Master Shield® as “King of the Gutter Guards” noting that it utilized a micromesh membrane overlying downward extending planes. Both the Master Shield and Leaffilter product manufacturers recognize me as the inventor and credit the technology Licensed under U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,352 for the effectiveness of those products at blocking debris and redirecting water flow.

The present invention, in varying embodiments, utilizes my prior art technology combined with public domain prior art termed: “Reverse Curve”, “louvered”, and “open air channel” along with additional water directing planes to achieve an even greater measure of water capture and redirection. Each of these prior art methods achieved some level of debris blockage and water redirection but none have yet been noted in the field to block all of the debris all of the time while capturing and redirecting all of the water all of the time. In testing, the present invention approaches that goal more effectively and demonstrably than reverse curved (U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,167 and all similar prior art referenced by the inventor: Bachman) or louvered (U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,171 and all similar prior art referenced by the inventor: Barnett) or screened or filtration membrane (U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,811 and all similar prior art referenced by the inventor: Pavlanski) or foam or tangled mesh (U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,755 and all similar prior art referenced by the inventors Wilson and Rassor) methods taught in prior art.

A study of field 52/12 reveals that there are Public Domain methods: reverse curve, screen, filtration cloth or screens or membranes over anything with an aperture of any type, foam, screen over finer screen, louvered, perforated, slitted, slotted, siphons, and collapsible or tilt-able gutter troughs that have been taught, adjusted, and reappear in varying embodiments disclosed in U.S. issued patents for more than 150 years. All of these methods have been noted by subsequent inventors to have either ease of installation short comings or cost of manufacture short comings or performance shortcomings. The significant factor as far as home safety, ie: stopping damage from water overflowing a gutter, is performance. What affects and diminishes the water capturing and redirecting performance of all of the above mentioned technologies is organic oil, oil based pollutants, and moss and mold growth. Regardless of what shape or material the embodiment takes or is composed of; it is going to become coated with some sort of oil in the field and this will lead to a healing over of water receiving areas or water proofing of surfaces meant to attract and redirect water. This, more than any other factor, leads to water overshoot. Until my U.S. patents, prior art focused on presenting effectrive barriers to debris entrance into a rain gutter but never addressed the problem of waterproofing or oil or scum coating of gutter guard methods.

It is obvious that smaller apertures' screen smaller debris and the prevention of debris entrance into a rain gutter is vital for prevention gutter clogs due to a downspout opening being covered by such debris, but what has eluded prior art attempts to achieve maintenance free performance, more than any other factor, is oil, dirt, and scum that lead to water proofing.

To the best of my knowledge, My U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,532 was the first in field 51/52 to note this problem and teach a method of self-cleaning specifically designed to address the problem: create strong water flow paths by contacting filtration membranes or micro mesh screens with planes or objects that present specific points of contact so that oil or scum will be washed away.

The present invention seeks to improve this method of self cleaning by channeling water flow into narrow downward flow paths before it contacts a filtration membrane and/or by imbedding water directing planes or objects within filtration membranes or elements. The present invention allows for vertical or near vertical micro mesh applications in which micro mesh fabric or other fine filtration methods are placed immediately in front of or behind vertical or nearly vertical water receiving areas of a gutter guard. This method has never been employed commercially in the field or, to the best of my knowledge, anywhere. Most filtration elements, including the unique combinations taught in my U.S. patents, are positioned in an angle equal to or less than that of roof pitch. This allows for debris to rest and remain on gutter guards and continue to leach oil and act as a dam to subsequent fallen debris. Embodiments of the present invention will diminish such occurrences.

II. RELATED PRIOR ART The invention employs, in part, concepts extrapolated from prior art disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,748,171 to Barnett, 7,104,012 to Bayram, 7,730,672 to Knudson, 7,448,167 to Bachman, 7,740,755 to Wilson and Rassor, 6,935,074 to Gramling 7,752,811 to Pavlansky, 7,658,036 to Banks, 2,613,621 to Schraeder, and U.S, my U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,006,438 and 6,951,077 and 6,598,352.

Mr. Knudson, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,730,672 teaches a unique gutter hangar configuration illustrated in (FIG. 4) 13 that provides a receiving grooves or channels 29, 41 into which a rear terminal edge and front terminal edge of a specifically designed-to-fit-the-hangar gutter guard body 10 inserts. The hangar 13 also provides a receiving channel or groove 39 into which the top lip of a k-style gutter will insert and be suspended by. This assembly allows for free lateral movement of the gutter and of the adjacent gutter guard. A problem the art presents is the difficulty encountered when trying to slide a rain gutter laterally into place along a fascia board attempting to ensure the back wall of the rain gutter, by means of it's uniquely designed right angled shelf (FIG. 6) 51, slips into each successive groove 23: Quoting the inventor: Par 4 lines 2 through 6: “As shown in (FIG. 1) the upper back end 51 fits into the slot 23 so that the rain gutter 15 is slidably mounted to and floats relative to the back flashing.” Such an installation method, in the field, is difficult to achieve: a gutter 50 ft. in length would have to be held laterally adjacent to the fascia board extending sideways 50 feet away from the fascia board and then gradually slid into place. The present invention, in an embodiment, may be simply lifted from a position parallel and beneath the fascia board and “snapped” into place, hinged into place, or released and suspended into place on a retaining ledge.

Another disadvantage of this art is that it is specifically designed for a singular custom gutter guard shape and configuration requiring a homeowner's purchase of a total gutter guard system rather than elements that may be retrofitted to his existing rain gutter or that may be utilized with lower cost common roll-formed rain gutter designs during new gutter installations.

Mr. Gramling, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,074 teaches a gutter hanging method whereby a (my term) rail assembly (FIG. 2) 1 is attached to a fascia board that employs a continuous linear hook assembly (FIG. 2) 4. that serves to secure a rain gutter onto which gutter hangars that incorporate engaging “nibs” (FIG. 5) 17 are attached to a rain gutter. Utilizing this method, a rain gutter may be lifted upward and “snapped” into the previously installed rail assembly. This method allows for a gutter to “float” laterally. Different embodiments of this method: “nib engaging hook” are disclosed in subsequent patents issued to Mr. Gramling: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,935,074 and 7,082,723. An improvement disclosed in these subsequent patents is the employment of stabilizing elements or clips that allow the rain gutter to adapt to multi level fascia boards. This art is marketed commercially as SnapLock®. It has been noted in the field that the retaining clips attached to the gutter require a specialized tool that must be squeezed with great force riveting the clips into place and that the ability of the art to remain secured and in place sometimes requires the use of fastening screws the art seeks to avoid: The “nibs in hook” method may dislodge in the event of ice filling a gutter or due to other factors. It has also been noted that the rail assembly does not easily adapt to less than plumb fascia board surfaces. Although the art is effective in achieving lateral movement of the rain gutter, it does not allow for a forward angled movement away from the fascia board without the threat of the nib and hook assembly disengaging. Forward angled movement of a rain gutter is sometimes necessary when installing a rain gutter on a fascia board that angles backwards toward a building structure. Embodiments of the present invention address these occurrences in the field by providing a more secure engagement of a rain gutter and/or gutter guard to a rail assembly that allows for both lateral and forward and rearward movement of the gutter.

Mr. Barnett, in U.S Pat. No. 7,748,171 teaches a gutter system that employs louvers present in a plane, such louvers utilizing downward extending tabs meant to capture and Redirect water downward. Prior art teaches various louver configurations: louvers present in a vertical face that employ downward or rearward extending tabs as illustrated (FIGS. 1 and 2) in U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,851 to Kuhns and louvers with upward extending tabs that face oncoming water flow as is utilized in a commercially marketed product Micro-Cs™. Although upward or downward extending tabs due capture and channel water more effectively than simple perforations, neither method has, in and of itself, or in combination with a covering micro mesh screen been able to equal the water capturing ability of other gutter guard art. Testing side by side of the Micro-Cs product vs. the Master Shield “micro mesh over downward extending planes” product has shown the latter art to capture and redirect significantly greater amounts of water.

The current invention, in embodiments, utilizes upward extending louvers present within the face of downward extending planes as well as (my term) “double louvers”: new art that utilizes a downward extending tab or surface leading into an aperture present beneath an upward extending louver. This new art has proven, in testing, to capture significant amounts of water flow with the upward extending louvers acting as the downward extending planes taught in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,598,532 and 7,191,564 and to allow the planar surface from which the louvers extend and distend to more readily clean themselves of accumulated oil. In a test, oil poured over the Master Shield product did not clear itself of oil in the presence of water flow for more than a minute while the new art: “double louvers overlain by micro mesh” was washed of oil in a matter of seconds.

Mr. Banks teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,036 a method in which a “v-groove” (FIGS. 2, 3 and 8) 14 utilized to adjust the rear plane of the invention to the pitch of a roof to which it mounts and a small reverse curve, he denotes as an “inseam” (FIGS. 2, 3 and 8) 17. Both elements precede the water receiving area (FIG. 2) 12 of the invention. The inventor notes that both of these element server to slow water flow before entrance into the water receiving area of the invention. A disadvantage of the art is that it is meant to be installed as a flat surface rather than an angled surface allowing for debris accumulation and retention on the top surface of the invention (Abstract description). Another disadvantage is that the inseam or curve is specifically limited to the midpoint of the invention (claim 1). Testing has shown that the most effective use of reverse curves is immediately at shingle's edge: slowing and redirecting water flow at this point allows any subsequent water receiving areas to present as large a surface area as possible for the capture of onrushing water. Another disadvantage of this art is the diminutive size of the reverse curve present in the inseam.

Mr. Bachman teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,167 a method that employs a recessed well (FIG. 4) 48 overlain by a plane leading into a reverse curved element 30. The well serves to retain a heating cable 20. Mr. Bachman does not disclose in specifications that the reverse curve 30 is ideally positioned immediately after shingle's edge although, in his art it is; such positioning very effective at capturing forward water flow before it reaches the main body of the art. However, the diameter of the curve employed offers less water capture and redirection than would a greater diameter. Additionally, the most effective utilization, for the purpose of directing water downward into an underlying rain gutter, of a curve immediately present after shingle's edge is one in which the underside of the curved element immediately contacts an angled lateral planed water receiving area or is in close enough proximity to form a “water bridge” between the downward side or underside of the curve and the water receiving area: you don't want to allow the water to regain and achieve forward extending linear flow atop a solid surface allowing it to regain forward moving velocity as it approaches the front lip of a rain gutter. Downward, rather than forward, flow is best maintained at a point where downward flow contacts an underlying laterally extended water receiving area that is angled to parallel water flow. This encourages the water to keep moving forcefully downward coming off of the nose of the curve right on through a filtering membrane or water receiving area. Prior art teaches reverse curve elements immediately preceding vertical open air channels positioned beneath the curve and teaches multiple cascading reverse curves separated by hard planar surfaces as is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,012 to Bayram (FIG. 3) and claim 1 but does not teach immediate point of contact between downward flowing water coming off of curved surfaces, positioned much closer to shingle's edge, and laterally and forward extending water receiving areas. Reverse curved elements directing water onto a flat water receiving area immediately beneath or in front of them tend to encourage water splash and, even if they may in the short term, redirect water flow downward, flat surfaces are far more likely to gather and hold organic debris and become water proofed.

Testing has shown that reverse curves with diameters greater than ⅜ inch capture and redirect water more readily: the greater the diameter of the curve, the more water it is able to redirect beneath itself. Testing has also shown that curve shape affects the capture and redirection of water. The present invention offers new shapes and positioning not found in prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,755 to Wilson and Rassor, teaches a foam insert. An advantage of compressible materials of this nature are that they readily conform to almost any installation circumstance in the field. A great disadvantage of foams or non-woven lofty fiber or other randomly porous art is that they become coated with organic and other oil, decaying plant matter, and other pollutants and cease absorbing or redirecting water. Even larger pore or open mesh configurations seem to coat and water proof more readily than any other art in field 52/12.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,687 to Groth teaches porous mesh overlain by a finer filtration material overlain by a perforated plane. I have not tested this invention but experience with it's underlying porous mesh has been dismal. A commercial product utilizing a porous material that I brought to market in the early part of 2000 termed “Leaffree” performed effectively for six months to one year but then waterproofed. Because it's main filtration element was a non-woven extruded polymer material which oil tends to stick to more so than metal.

My advertising slogan devolved from “Nothing gets in your gutter!” to: “Nothing gets in your gutter, not even water!” What looks good in conceptual design doesn't always prove to work in the field.

In his U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/174,432 Bachman discloses (FIG. 2) a reverse curved surface leading into an angled perforated plane or well into which may be inserted, as an overlay, another filtration method. His disclosure bears great resemblance to my disclosure of the same method in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,352 (FIG. 7). I'm just sayin' . . .

. Similarly, In U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,692 to Gregg, the inventor teaches a rearward planar surface that inserts beneath roofing shingles that extends forward into a small reverse curved surface that empties water onto an underlying expanded metal water receiving area. Referring to (FIGS. 1 and 2) of my U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,564 it appears Mr. Gregg simply substituted for his main water receiving area: expanded metal for my teaching, in both my '564 and 6,598,352 patents, of a perforated plane having upward extending planes as a water receiving area preceeded by a reverse curved element emptying onto it . . . again, I'm just sayin' . . .

. Mr. Gregg teaches in his claim one of his patent that the sidewalls that comprise the expanded metal openings are angled obtusely away from oncoming water flow. In my opinion; an opinion formed from a great deal of testing, angling sidewalls away from water flow is a mistake in that doing so has been shown to be less effective at capturing and redirecting water downward than can be demonstrated when the sidewalls are, instead, angled toward water flow. If one simply angles the expanded metal sidewalls of the Gregg invention toward water flow a more effective downward-into-the-gutter water flow path will be realized.

Viewing the Gregg patent and the Bachman application and my own Higginbotham patents, a forerunner of Mr. Gregg and Mr. Bachman, and of myself would seem to be U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,379 granted to Alan Meckstroth. He definitely preceded the three of us by leading into an underlying angled planar water receiving area with a reverse curve . . . but I was the second fella to do it!

The present invention discloses, in some of it's embodiments, public domain methods taught in Mr. Schraeder's U.S. Pat. No. 2,613,621 (FIG. 1) which teaches a drip edge element with gutter a gutter guard filtering member receiving channel and currently protected methods taught in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,352 (FIGS. 7 and 8). To the best of my knowledge, U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,352 was the first patent in field 52/12 to teach an insertable/removable filtration element into or overlying a perforated receiving well, channel, or area.

An embodiment of the present invention not found in prior art provides a means of self-cleaning (of oil and scum) from such art by attaching to it or imbedding within it water directing planes that create more condensed and directed water flow paths capable of washing adhering oil away from the fibers it clings to within foam or tangled mesh or open random pore materials. An embodiment of the present invention may optionally incorporate perforated dispersing hose or pipes within a porous material body able to deliver Dawn® or other cleaning or mold killing agents throughout the porous material.

SUMMARY

In one example embodiment, a water directing device for mounting above a rain gutter is provided. The water directing device comprises an elongated body comprising a first body portion that rests on a building's sub roof, a second body portion connected to the first body portion; the second body portion comprising an outwardly extending reverse curved surface having a diameter equal to or greater than approximately ⅜ inch and having it's top surface approximately parallel to the first body portion. a third body portion that connects to the lower plane of the second body portion and comprises a rearward extending receiving channel, and a fourth body portion that extends downward in a direction away from the second lower plane of the third body portion. The water directing device is positioned on a subroof so that it's outwardly extending curve is forward and beyond the terminal edge of any roofing element.

In another example embodiment, the first body portion may rest on top of roof covering elements or the second body portion, absent the first body portion, may rest on top of roof covering elements and the second body portion may be optionally perforated.

In another example embodiment, a receiving channel may be present in the curvature of the second body portion: the receiving channel being of any shape (L-shaped or T-shaped for example) that may best secure materials that disburse mold killing or oil cleaning ions or solutions.

In another example embodiment, two parallel planes are connected to the front surface of the fourth body portion: one connected to the front of the fourth body portion and one connected to the rear of the fourth body portion, and a fifth plane is connected to the terminal lower edge of the fourth body portion, the fifth plane extending forward and beyond and rearward and beyond the fourth body portion and approximately perpendicular to the fourth body portion: the three planes forming a receiving channel from which to suspend gutter hanging elements allowing for lateral movement of the gutter from side to side.

In another example embodiment, a triangular shaped element is connected to the terminal lower edge of the fourth body portion to serve as a supporting element for gutter hanging clips or intrinsic hanging elements of a gutter to secure to; allowing a rain gutter to be hung by suspension from a building's sub roof or fascia board and laterally moved from side to side.

In another example embodiment, slots or perforations are present in the fourth body portion allowing for the insertion of hoop shaped or other shaped suspension clips which are an intrinsic part of, or are secured to, a rain gutter allowing for a hanging method whereby the rain gutter is secured to and suspended from a buildings facia board or sub roof.

The water directing device channels water into an underlying rain gutter secured to a building's fascia board by means of a receiving assembly comprised of an elongated body comprising a first body portion parallel to and spaced a distance from the fascia board, a second body portion and a third body portion connected to the top rear area and bottom rear area of the first body portion respectively, each of which is comprised of an angled plane that extends away from the first body portion and is parallel to a fascia board,

In another example embodiment, a gutter guard may be inserted into the third body element. The gutter guard comprising, in part, upward extending hollow planes that may be perforated or louvered on the area of the hollow plane.

In another example embodiment, a gutter guard may be positioned beneath the second body element: the gutter guard comprised of porous material, such material having hollowed out channels and/or water directing planes or other water directing elements present within the body of the porous material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Side view of common water flow paths through a common gutter screen

FIG. 2 Top view of a slitted cylinder with downward extending planes

FIG. 3 Top view of a slitted cylinder with a receiving channel incorporated within a downward extending plane

FIG. 4 Top view of an open channeled cylinder with rearward extending plane and downward extending plane

FIG. 5 Top view of an open channeled cylinder with rearward extending plane and gutter guard plane receiving channel

FIG. 6 Top view of an open channeled cylinder with rearward extending plane and gutter guard plane receiving channel with inserted expanded metal gutter guard

FIG. 7 Side view of an open channeled cylinder with a rearward extending plane and gutter guard plane receiving channel, with inserted expanded metal gutter guard, installed in a rain gutter

FIG. 7 a Side view of an open channeled cylinder with a rearward extending plane and gutter guard plane receiving channel, with inserted expanded metal gutter guard and with a clip-on copper element, installed in a rain gutter

FIG. 8 Side Side view of an open channeled perforated cylinder with a rearward extending plane and gutter guard plane receiving channel, with inserted expanded metal gutter guard, installed in a rain gutter

FIG. 9 Side view of an open channeled perforated cylinder with an inserted element, with a rearward extending plane and gutter guard plane receiving channel, and with inserted expanded metal gutter guard, installed in a rain gutter

FIG. 10 Angled top view of a reverse curved element with a rearward extending top plane and with an underlying gutter guard plane receiving channel

FIG. 10 a Angled top view of a reverse curved element with a rearward extending top plane, with an underlying gutter guard plane receiving channel, and with a downward extending drip plane

FIG. 10 b Angled top view of a reverse curved element with a rearward extending top plane, with an underlying gutter guard plane receiving channel, with a downward extending drip plane, and with an element receiving channel present in the curve

FIG. 10 c Angled top view of a reverse curved element with a rearward extending top plane, with an underlying gutter guard plane receiving channel, with a downward extending drip plane, with an element receiving channel present in the curve and with a cylindrical hinge rod receiving channel

FIG. 10 d Angled top and rear view of a hinge assembly

FIG. 10 e Angled top and rear view of a hinge assembly attached to a gutter

FIG. 10 e 1 Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a triangular element: (arrow head) and clip assembly as a means of gutter attachment

FIG. 10 f Side perspective of a downward extending drip plane incorporating a triangular shaped male element that inserts into a clip assembly

FIG. 10 g Side perspective of a reverse curved drip plane with receiving channels, a receiving plane, and a intrinsic triangular shaped male element

FIG. 10 g 1 Side and rear perspective of an embodiment of the invention attached by means of triangular shaped elements and receiving clips to a rain gutter.

FIG. 10 g 2 top perspective of a downward extending surface gripping tab

FIG. 10 g 3 Side and rear perspective of a downward extending drip plane incorporating a triangular shaped male element , perforations, and a water shield receiving plane

FIG. 10 g 4 Side and rear perspective of a downward extending drip plane incorporating a triangular shaped male element , perforations, and a water shield receiving plane with plane secured

FIG. 10 g 5 Side view of an embodiment of the invention employing triangular shaped elements and receiving clips supporting an installed rain gutter

FIG. 10 g 6 Side and top perspective of a slideable triangular element

FIG. 10 h Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a reverse curved drip edge assembly leading into a forward extending perforated water receiving area that utilizes raised planes

FIG. 10 i Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a reverse curved drip edge assembly leading into a forward extending perforated water receiving area that utilizes raised planes overlain by a filtering fabric or membrane

FIG. 10 j Side and top perspective of an upward extending plane with a wedge shaped top

FIG. 10 k Side and top perspective of an upward extending plane with a v-shaped top

FIG. 10L Side and top perspective of an upward extending plane element with downward extending louvers present in one wall of the plane

FIG. 10 m Side and top perspective of an upward extending plane element with upward extending louvers present in one wall of the plane

FIG. 10 n Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a reverse curved drip edge assembly leading into a forward extending perforated water receiving area that utilizes raised planes

FIG. 10 o Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a hinge clip assembly as a means of gutter attachment

FIG. 10 p Side and top perspective of clips

FIG. 10 q Side and top perspective of clips from an alternate angle

FIG. 10 r Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing clips and a perforated ledge assembly as a means of gutter attachment.

FIG. 10 s Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a rail assembly that utilizes an L-shaped ledge as a means of gutter attachment

FIG. 10 s 1 Side angled perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a rail assembly that utilizes a suspended triangular male end (arrow head) as a means of gutter attachment

FIG. 10 t Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a rail assembly with an L-shaped ledge, a gutter element receiving channel, and a rear stabilizing element: as a means of gutter attachment

FIG. 10 u Side angled perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a rails assembly with a secondary water directing drip edge element inserted

FIG. 10 v Side angled perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a perforated or louvered reverse curved element

FIG. 10 w Side angled perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a perforated or louvered reverse curved element with plane embedded porous element inserted

FIG. 11 Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention with an expanded metal gutter guard inserted

FIG. 11 a Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention, employing an insertable copper element,: with an expanded metal gutter guard inserted

FIG. 12 Side view of an embodiment of the invention installed beneath shingles and supporting the rear plane of an inserted perforated or louvered gutter guard element

FIG. 12 a Side view of an embodiment of the invention installed beneath shingles and supporting a reverse curved gutter guard

FIG. 12 b Side view of an embodiment of the invention installed beneath shingles and illustrating the insertion of a heating element

FIG. 13 Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a reverse curved drip, edge, vertically or near vertically positioned filter receiving channels, and a perforated or louvered shelf

FIG. 14 Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing a reverse curved drip , edge, vertically or near vertically positioned filter receiving channels, and a perforated or louvered shelf: installed beneath shingles and onto a rain gutter

FIG. 15 Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing vertically or near vertically positioned filter receiving channels with the filter material inserted

FIG. 15 a Side and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention employing vertically or near vertically positioned filter receiving channels with the filter material inserted illustrating water flow paths

FIG. 16 Side and rear perspective of an embodiment of an element of the invention employing a stepped filter with embedded plane

FIG. 17 Side and rear perspective of an embodiment of an element of the invention employing a stepped filter with embedded plane illustrating water flow paths

FIG. 18 Side and rear perspective of an embodiment of an element of the invention employing a downward or rear ward extending inseam with inserted plane

FIG. 19 Side and rear perspective of an embodiment of an element of the invention employing a downward or rear ward extending inseam that terminates at a forward position with a securing concaved front wall and incorporates a securing rear vertical wall

FIG. 20 Side view of an embodiment of an element of the invention serving as an insertable filter member into reverse curve gutter guards that employ water receiving open air channels that traverse the length of the gutter guard

FIG. 21 Side and angled view of a porous material with inserted planes of varying shapes or configurations

FIG. 22 a top view of planes and shaped planes

FIG. 23 A side perspective of a porous material with inserted shaped planes and inserted perforated pipe or hose

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various figures, reference numeral 1Na (FIGS. 10 a,11,12) disclose a water directing drip edge that incorporates an insertable plane 1 n 1 that installs (FIG. 12) beneath a roofing membrane 11, a reverse curve element 1 n 2, a gutter guard receiving channel 1 n 7 and a water directing downward plane 1 n 8.

This embodiment (FIG. 12) employs a rear plane 1 n 1 that allows for a common gutter guard installation method whereby a rear plane is inserted beneath a roofing membrane 11. The rear plane is positioned to ensure that the reverse curve lying beneath it projects outwardly past the terminal edge of any shingle or roof covering element. Water 7 (FIG. 12) flowing off a roofing membrane 11 contacts the top surface of a reverse curve element 1 n 2. The reverse curve element 1 n 2 further redirects water to the underside of the curve to a point 9 where a water adhesion bridge is formed between the invention 1Na and a laterally and forward extending perforated 6 d, louvered 6 c, screened, filtered, or other type water receiving area present at the rear portion of the gutter guard 6.

Referring to (FIGS. 11 and 12) the under plane 1 n 3 of the reverse curve element continues rearward adjoining reverse curved element 1 n 4 Reversed curved element 1 n 4 adjoins a forward extending plane 1 n 5 that terminates into a downward extending water directing “drip plane”1 n 8. Drip plane 1 n 8 of the present invention prevents the backflow of water behind the rain gutter 8 and prevents water back flowing and contacting a building's fascia board 18. Referring again to (FIGS. 11 and 12) 1 n 3, 1 n 4, and 1 n 5, form a gutter guard rear plane receiving channel 1 n 7 into which the rear plane or element of a gutter guard may be inserted (FIG. 11). The depth of this channel 1 n 7 accommodates forward and rearward adjusting of an inserted gutter guard allowing it to more efficiently engage the front lip of a rain gutter (FIGS. 12, 12 a).

Referring to (FIG. 12) the reverse curved element 1 n 2 is positioned as close as possible to the terminal edge of the roofing membrane 11 a because it has been discovered that this position most readily allows a reverse curve to capture and redirect forward water flow. It has been observed in the field that as the reverse curve element is positioned further away from the terminal edge of a roofing membrane; water overshoot increases.

The point of water contact 9 between water flowing off of the present invention and into a water receiving area of any gutter guard, that is illustrated in (FIG. 12), may exist at varying places on different gutter guard systems: depending on the location of their first perforated 6 d or louvered 6 a, 6 b or screened or filtered or open channeled area designed to receive and redirect water downward. (FIG. 12) is only illustrative of a type of gutter guard that employs water receiving areas across the majority of the gutter guard's top plane. Referring to (FIG. 12 a): when the present invention engages gutter guard systems that employ solid planes 6 e that overly a good portion of an underlying gutter 8 before presenting water receiving areas or channels 6 f positioned close to the front lip 8 a of the rain gutter to which they are affixed (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,216,851 and 7,730,672), the present invention still serves to capture redirect, and greatly reduce the forward speed of water flow 7 before the water flow contacts 9 an inserted gutter guard 6.

Referring to (FIG. 12 b), it is illustrated that a heating or other element 13 may be inserted into the gutter guard rear plane receiving channel of the present invention 1 n 7 and that the present invention may serve as a multi-functional drip edge that captures and redirects water flow 7 downward into an underlying open gutter: in the presence or absence of an inserted gutter guard the present invention serves to prevent water overshoot.

This embodiment may be roll-formed or extruded as metal or plastic.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING AN ELEMENT RECEIVING CHANNEL WITHIN THE NOSE OR FIRST REVERSE CURVED PORTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to (FIGS. 10 b, 11 a and 12 a) in 1Nb; an alternate embodiment is illustrated in which there is present within water directing reverse curve 1 n 2 an element receiving channel 1 n 9, into which a copper or other element 15 may be inserted for the purpose of infusing forward flowing water 7 with trace elements that serve to eliminate moss, mold, mildew or oil buildup on an underlying gutter guard 6. Referring to (FIG. 12 b) there is present a heating element 13 within element receiving channel 1 n 7 illustrating the channel may receive other than gutter guard elements or elements in addition to gutter guard elements.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT UTILIZING A WATER RECEIVING REVERSE CURVE PORTION AND AN INSERTABLE POROUS FILTER WITH EMBEDDED WATER DIRECTING PLANES

Referring to (FIGS. 10 v and 10 w) an alternate embodiment is shown incorporating water receiving apertures 6 d or louvers in a reverse curved element 1 n 2. Referring Specifically to (FIG. 10 w) an upward extending plane that serves as a retaining member 1 n 25 for a porous filtration element 13 a is shown. Water flow paths 7 are shown entering the perforations 6 d, contacting and flowing through the porous filtration element 13 a and being directed downward along water directing plane 25 c eventually flowing out and through perforations 6 d present on the underside of curved element 1 n 2. Upward raised retaining plane 1 n 25 serves to block water flow rearward.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING A HINGE ROD RECEIVING ELEMENT AT THE TERMINAL EDGE OF THE DOWNWARD EXTENDING DRIP PLANE PORTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to (FIGS. 10 c, 10 d, 10 e 10 e 1 AND 10 e 2), there is present at the terminal edge of downward extending drip plane 1 n 8, in the embodiment 1Nc, a segmented cylinder 1 n 10 that serves as a receiving cylinder for a hinge rod element 1 n 18. Also illustrated is a secondary drip edge element 1 n 10 a that prevent backward water flow through the open air spaces that exist between the segmented portions of drip plane 1 n 8. Also illustrated are cylindrical clips 1 n 11 as well as gutter hangars 1 n 11 a that incorporate hinge receiving cylinders 1 n 11 a 1.

Referring specifically to (FIGS. 10 e 1), water 7 flows off of a roofing element 11 then contacts water directing reverse curve 1 n 2. Water 7 will then flow both into and back out gutter guard receiving

channel 1 n 7 and against and down secondary drip plane 1 n 10 a. Secondary drip plane 1 n 10 a ensures water 7 will drop forward and downward into any underlying rain gutter 8 rather than backflow into the open air spaces (FIG. 10 d,e) existing between hinge elements 8 d of the 1Nc embodiment and then potentially contacting a buildings fascia board 18 presenting cosmetic and potential structural problems. Present (FIG. 10 c) at the lowermost terminal edge of downward extending drip plane 1 n 8 is a cylindrical hinge receiving channel 1 n 10. As a rain gutter 8 is being installed (FIG. 10 e 1), it will be raised into a position where prefastened hinge clips 1 n 11 (see FIGS. 10 d and 10 e) or gutter hangars incorporating hinge receiving cylinders 1 n 11 a are brought adjacent to cylindrical hinge receiving channel 1 n 10. Hinge rods 1 n 18 will then be inserted as illustrated in (FIG. 10 e 2). This embodiment of the invention 1Nc, that employs a hinge gutter guard element to rain gutter fastening system, allows for installation of a rain gutter 8 without attachment to a building's fascia board 18 and further allows for stable lateral movement and a rotating vertical movement of the rain gutter 8: These improvements allow a rain gutter 8 to freely adjust to temperature related expansion and contraction without warping and allow a rain gutter to remain plumb and flush irrespective of fascia board 18 warping or deformity.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING A TRIANGULAR OR OTHER SHAPED MALE END EXTENDING DOWNWARD FROM A DRIP PLANE PORTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to (FIGS. 10 f, 10 g,10 g 3 and 10 g 5) there is present at the terminal edge of downward extending drip plane 1 n 8, in the embodiment 1Nd, a triangular or arrow head shaped element 1 n 12 a that serves as a an engaging and securing element. The drip plane 1 n 8 and it's intrinsic arrow head shaped terminal edge 1 n 12 a are each non-segmented unbroken elements that traverse the length of 1Nd. The arrow head shaped element 1 n 12 a will insert into 1 n 13 or 1 n 13 a at the time of installation as the rain gutter 8 is being lifted upward to engage alternate embodiment 1 nd.

Referring to (FIG. 10 f) an assembly 1 n 12 is formed by downward extending plane 1 n 8 and a shaped element 1 n 12 a. This assembly will insert into an assembly receiving clip 1 n 13 element affixed to a rain gutter 8 (FIG. 10 g) when a rain gutter is raised upward to engage and be suspended and supported by the assembly (FIG. 10 g 1). Front and rear walls 1 n 14 and 1 n 15 will expand (FIG. 10 f) and then snap back together (FIG. 10 g 1) after the shaped male element 1 n 12 a has been fully inserted into the open air space existing between the two walls 1 n 14 and 1 n 15 (FIGS. 10 f and 10 g 1). The assembly 1 n 13 may exist as a stand-alone clip element that is clipped to the rear wall of a rain gutter 8 (FIG. 10 g 1). A u-shaped rear wall gutter receiving channel 1 n 16 allows the clip assembly 1 n 13 to be affixed to the rear wall of a rain gutter. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to shapes disclosed in this description or in the drawings.

Referring to (FIG. 10 g) there is shown an element receiving channel 1 n 9 into which a heating or anti-fungal or other element may be optionally inserted.

Referring to (FIG. 10 f) the clip element 1 n 13 employs downward extending planes 1 n 13 that incorporate measurement marking lines 1 n 17 a that may be used to help gauge and set a rain gutter's amount of fall at the time of installation: Referring to (FIG. 10 g 1) a clip can be raised to a marking line 1 n 17 a before being secured to the backplane 8 c of the rain gutter 8 This allows a means of measuring a progressively declining angle across a fascia board a rain gutter needs to achieve to ensure water flows downward within the gutter towards the gutter's downspout opening.

Referring to (FIGS. 10 g 1 and 10 g 2) cleats 1 n 8 e are shown which serve to secure the top plane 1 n 1 of the invention to the subroof of a building structure.

Referring to (FIGS. 10 g 1, 10 g 2, 10 g 3, 10 g 4) it is demonstrated that an air space 28 may exist between the bottom edge 1 n 12 e of triangular shaped element 1 n 12 a and the top edge 8 d of the rain gutter 8. This space may allow rainwater to flow through and drip behind the rain gutter or against a building's fascia board. To prevent this, a water shield 1 n 12 d may be suspended from and secured to upraised angled plane 1 n 12 b (see also FIG. 10 g 5).

Referring to (FIGS. 10 g 3 and 10 g 5) perforations 1 n 12 c are present in downward extending plane 1 n 8 through which fasteners 5 may pass to further secure the invention to a building's fascia board 18.

Referring to (FIG. 10 g 6) it is shown that downward extending plane in 8 may optionally incorporate receiving channels 12 g into which 1 n 12 a: an alternate embodiment of 1 n 12 that is slotted and separated from 1 n 8, may be slid and secured. Other elements may also be slid and secured into the receiving channels 12 g.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING A PERFORATED DOWNWARD EXTENDING DRIP PLANE AND SECURING CLAMPS

Referring to (FIGS. 10 o, 10 p, 10 q) there is present in the drip plane 1 n 8 of embodiment 1Ne, perforations 1 n 21 which serve to receive hanging clip elements 1 n 19, that have been affixed to the rear plane 8 c of a rain gutter 8 (FIG. 100). Present in this embodiment 1Ne is a secondary drip plane 1 n 8 a (FIG. 10 o) which serves to prevent water from travelling rearward through perforations 1 n 21 or through the open air space present between the lower terminal edge of perforated drip plane 1 n 8 and the upper terminal edge of the rain gutter's rear vertical plane 8 c.

Referring to (FIG. 10 q) the perforated plane 8 will force opposingly faced hanging clip elements 1 n 19 to spread apart as they are raised upward to engage and secure (FIG. 10 o) the rain gutter 8. When the top terminal edge of the hanging clip elements reach perforations 1 n 19 present in downward extending drip plane 1 n 8 they will return to their original position and push through the perforations thereby securing the rain gutter to alternate embodiment 1Ne.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING A PERFORATED FORWARD EXTENDING PLANE ADJACENT TO A DOWNWARD EXTENDING DRIP PLANE

Referring to (FIG. 10 r) there is shown in embodiment 1Nf a lateral extending perforated plane 1 n 8 b adjacent to downward extending drip plane 1 n 8. A hanging clip 1 n 22 attached to the rear plane 8 c of a rain gutter 8. Perforations 1 n 8 c present in the perforated plane 1 n 8 b allow for the securing and installation of the rain gutter 8 for a building structure by means of the gutter 8 being lifted at time of installation so that hanging clips 1 n 22 may insert though perforations 1 n 8 c. Hanging clips 1 n 8 c may also be incorporated into the top portion of a gutter hangar 1 n 23.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING A FORWARD EXTENDING WATER DIRECTING GUTTER GUARD ADJACENT TO A DOWNWARD EXTENDING DRIP PLANE

Referring to (FIGS. 10 h, 10 i, 10 j) there is shown in this embodiment IP, a downward extending drip plane 1 n 8 from which a perforated well 1P1 extends laterally forward. Extending upward from the perforated plane of the well are planes 1P3 that may terminate at their topmost portion in shapes advantageous to the capture and redirection of water flow (FIG. 10 j) 1P4 and (FIGS. 10 k) 1 p 4 a or that may have incorporated in their front or rear walls (FIG. 10L, 10 m) or in their top most plane (FIG. 10 m) 1 p 4 b water receiving apertures 1 p 5, 1 p 6. The recessed perforated well 1P1 and upward raised planes 1P3 assembly may be overlain (FIG. 100 with a screen or filtering membrane.

In this embodiment 1P the length of downward extending plane 1 n 8 may be shortened or lengthened to allow for differing recessed well 1P1 depths and the gutter guard receiving channel 1 n 7 may serve as a screen or other filtering membrane receiving channel (FIG. 10 i). Referring specifically to (FIG. 10 j) the terminal top portion 1P4 of the upward extending plane 1P3 presents a downward extending angled front face to the oncoming forward flow of water which is a more effective means of capturing and redirecting water flow than a simple flat surface employed by prior art. Referring specifically to (FIG. 10 k) upward extending plane 1P3 is shown employing a wedged shaped top front surface 1P4 and a rear oval shaped surface 1P4 a representative of different shape combinations that may be employed to capture and redirect water flow such as “w” or corrugated or other shapes.

Referring to (FIG. 10L) upward raised plane 1P3 is shown employing a perforation or downward extending louver 1 p 5 in it's front plane 1 p 7 which faces and redirects oncoming water flow. Referring to (FIG. 10 m) upraised plane 1P3 is shown employing upward raised louvers 1 p 6 (similar to those found in a manual cheese or food grate) in both the front plane 1 p 7 and the topmost portion of 1 p 3. The employment of such louvers or perforations in upraised water directing planes that face the initial forward flow of water significantly increases the amount of water captured and redirected as compared to simple solid planes or planes perforated on both the front and rear planes such as planes formed of expanded metal or screen. Referring to (FIG. 10L) water 7 will enter a louver or perforation or opening 1 p 5 and then strike the rear wall 1 p 7 a of the upraised plane and be further directed downward: Testing and prototypes have demonstrated that such configurations greatly increase water capture and redirection.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT A HANGING RAIL ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING A GUTTER GUARD RECEIVING CHANNEL

Referring to (FIG s, FIG t) there is shown in this embodiment 22 a lateral multi-plane; or rail assembly, for suspending and securing a rain gutter that incorporates a 22 c rain gutter receiving and mounting plane and a gutter guard element receiving channel 22 g.

Referring to (FIGS t,u), plane 2 a serves as a platform covered by a gutter guard securing assembly formed by elements 22 g, 22 g 1, and 22 g 2. This assembly: 22 g, 22 g 1, and 22 g 2 extends close to or past L-shaped plane 22 c.

Referring specifically to (FIG t); gutter 8 and gutter hangar assembly 1 n 24 are raised upward at the time of installation until the topmost u-shaped portion 1 n 24 a of the gutter hangar 1 n 24 contacts the underside of plane 22 g 1. Rain gutter 8 and gutter hangar assembly 1 n 24 are then positioned rearward toward platform 2 a and then lowered until gutter hangar assembly 1 n 24 a overlies and rests on plane 22 c. Referring to (FIG t) it is shown that plane 1 n 24 c of the gutter hangar assembly is distanced away from the rear wall 8 c of rain gutter 8 allowing it to distend into and be supported and secured by (FIG t) L-shaped plane 22 c.

A downward extending plane 22 g 1 is shown positioned above downward extending plane 22 g 1 forming a gutter guard element receiving channel 22 g. Also shown is a shaped element 22 d that acts to stabilize rain gutter 8 preventing it from rocking backwards toward the fascia board 18.

Referring to (FIG u) there is shown an Insertable reverse curve element 22 i that may optionally be inserted into a receiving channel 22 g of gutter securing rail system 22. Receiving channel 22 g is formed by a top plane 22 g 1 and a bottom plane 22 g 2 present in the top portion of 22. During installation of the reverse curve element 22 i the top plane of 22 i is positioned beneath the roof membrane 11 in such a manner that the forward extending curved nose portion of 22 i extends past the front edge of the roof membrane 11. A gutter guard receiving channel 22 i 3 exists between planes 22 i 1 and 22 i 2 into which a gutter guard may be optionally inserted. Referring to (FIG s1) another embodiment of 22 c is shown utilizing a fastening assembly 22 c 2 that employs L-shaped bracket 22 c 1 and triangular shaped element 1 n 12 a to form a continuous male end that would be received by (FIG. 10 g 1) 1 n 13.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT REVERSE CURVE SYSTEM WITH INSERTABLE FILTRATION ELEMENT EXTENDING DOWNWARD FROM A RECEIVING CHANNEL BENEATH THE LOWER PLANE OF THE REVERSE CURVE

Referring to (FIG. 13) embodiment 1Q shows a linear plane 1 q 1 adjacent an intrinsic forward positioned reverse curve element 1 q 2 which terminates on the underside of it's curve into an upward extending filter receiving channel 1 q 3 adjacent a rearward extending plane 1 q 4 that is adjacent downward extending plane 1 q 5 that is adjacent forward extending perforated plane 1 q 6 that is adjacent downward extending filter receiving channel 1 q 7 which is adjacent a gutter lip engaging element 1 q 8. Referring to (FIG. 14) it is shown that linear plane 1 q 1 is positioned beneath a roofing membrane 11 securing the embodiment 1 q 1 in place and an Insertable filtration or water directing element 16 is inserted into receiving channels 1 q 3 and 1 q 7, which place the filter in more of a vertical rather than a horizontal position, for the purpose of screening out debris which often clings to and follows reverse curve elements of prior art gutter guards, due to water adhesion, into louvers, perforations, or open air channels existent beneath and/or behind their curved water directing element: (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,216,851 and 7,730,672) these non-filtered perforations or louvers or open channels tend to become clogged with debris.

Referring to (FIG. 15) a non-unified two part embodiment, plus Insertable filter 16, is shown in which a bottom part of the invention 1 r 2 is separate from the top part of the invention 1 r 1. A water flow path 7 is illustrated demonstrating water flow through the filter element and down into an underlying rain gutter while roof shingle grit 7 a or other debris carried by water adhesion toward the filter 16 is blocked by the filter and falls away from the gutter. In concept the utilization of a simple vertical filtration membrane may seem beneficial in screening debris and channeling water rearward but, in testing, a vertical or near vertical positioning of singular component filtration membranes does not perform as illustrated in (FIG. 15): Water does not tend to flow through the simple filter membrane or mesh screen rearward.

Referring to (FIG. 15 a) which is representative of gutter guard devices that employ open air channels 6 f singularly or in combination with louvers 6 c or apertures 6 d positioned toward the front lip of a gutter, it is illustrated that, in testing, simple singular component filtration membranes 16, unaided by embedded, attached, or adjacent water directing planes of a type shown in (FIGS. 17,18,19,20,), tend to capture and redirect water vertically downward to the lowermost part of the filtration membrane failing to redirect water rearward through open air channels 6 f and/or other open air apertures 6 c,6 d as is illustrated in (FIG. 15 a). Testing has shown that water 7 seldom passes rearward but rather continues downward within the body of the filtration element 16 and away from the inside of a gutter. Prior art does not teach the use of mesh, screen, or other means of fine filtration vertically positioned in front of or within or immediately behind such water receiving areas.

Embodiments of the invention (FIGS. 16, 17, 18,19,20) enable vertically positioned

Fine filtration elements to channel water rearward through themselves and into a gutter by mean of shaping of the filtration element and/or the utilization of water directing planes and elements embedded within or attached or adjacent to the vertically or near vertically positioned element. In this specific embodiment 16 b, water will be absorbed by the filtration element main body and then contact plane 16 b 5 where it is then redirected back through the filter membrane and rearward into the gutter 8.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF A FILTRATION ELEMENT EMPLOYED BY THE INVENTION UTILIZING EXPANDED METAL OPENINGS EMPLOYING SIDEWALLS ACUTELY ANGLED TOWARD ONCOMING WATER FLOW AND OVERLAIN BY FINE OR MICRO MESH SCREEN

Referring to (FIGS. 11, 12, 12 a) an embodiment of the invention may consist of 1NA a drip edge whose top lateral plane 1N1 inserts beneath shingles or a roofing membrane and is positioned as far forward or rearward as needed to ensure, referring now to (FIG. 12), that a portion of the flat top planar surface of lateral plane 1N1 is contacted by water flowing off the terminal edge of shingles or roofing elements 11 a to initiate an adhesive water flow path that will contact and remain adhered to curved element 1 n 2 and be directed rearward and downward to then contact 6: an inserted common louvered or perforated or expanded metal or filter material gutter guard. In this specific embodiment being described the expanded metal would employ expanded metal openings whose “long way of the diamond” openings are perpendicular to water flow and whose forming sidewall members are angled toward oncoming water flow. Please note in (FIG. 12) 6 b the forward angling of the upward extending louvers: This forward angling of louvers or of expanded metal sidewall members better captures and redirects forward flowing water downward than do louvers or expanded metal sidewall members that employ these elements angled obtusely away from water flow as exists in prior art. The expanded metal would then be overlain by a fine or micro-mesh screen.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF A FILTRATION ELEMENT EMPLOYED BY THE INVENTION INCORPORATING WATER DIRECTING SHAPES AND/OR PLANES

Referring to (FIG. 16) there is shown a filtration element 16 a composed of a fibrous or porous material. This specific embodiment shows a multi-plane stair-stepped shape in which vertical planes 16 a 1 lead, at their bottom most areas, into forward extending planes 16 a 2 into which other water conducting planes or elements 16 a 3 are inserted. 16 a is representative of shapes that would serve to capture and retain or redirect water flow: (FIGS. 18,19, and 20) illustrate other possible shapes that may be employed.

16 a 3 is representative of any number of configurations or shapes that would serve to enhance filtration element's 16 a 3 ability to screen debris while redirecting water flow to the inside of a rain gutter. 16 a 3 could be composed of a cylindrical assembly perforated on it's top surface 16 a 3 a or a denser fibrous material than utilized in 16 a 1: Element 16 a 3 is representative of compositions and configuration that present denser surfaces to oncoming water flow 7 thereby stopping their normal water adhesive path through planes 16 a 1 and 16 a 2 to the terminal bottom edge of 16 a 6 and redirecting them rearward across top plane 16 a 4 and down angled plane 16 a 5 as is illustrated in (FIG. 17). Also illustrated in (FIG. 17) is the attaching of the water directing plane or assembly 16 a 3 to the underside of 16 a 2 as an alternative to incorporating 16 a 3 directly into the structure of 16 a as is illustrated in (FIG. 16). Referring to (FIGS. 18 and 19) there is shown an embodiment of a filtration element 16 b that incorporates inseams, or recessed channels 16 b 5 into which may be inserted planes 16 b 6 or other elements. These planes or elements act in the manner of a solid surface that would capture and redirect water flow due to water surface adhesion.

Referring to (FIG. 20) filtration element 16 b is shown as being self-securing within open water receiving channels that are commonly found in reverse curve gutter guards 29 (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,216,851 and 7,730,672) marketed today. As illustrated: rear vertical planes 16 b 3 and 16 b 4 extend vertically past the open air water receiving channels existent is such gutter guards. Forward vertical plane 16 b 1 or 16 b 1, is also illustrated as being vertically longer than the vertical height of the open air channel of a reverse curve gutter guard 29 allowing the rear and forward vertical planes of 16 b to secure 16 b within the water receiving air space or channel of 29. This tension mounting may alternately be achieved by the use of mounting clips or other means.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF A FILTRATION ELEMENT SERVING AS A COMPLETE GUTTER GUARD SYSTEM

Referring to (FIGS. 21,22,23,27) there is illustrated an embodiment 23 in which a sponge like water absorbing material, that is compressible or readily shaped, is imbedded with water directing planes 25,25 a,25 b or elements that will contact and redirect water within the bodies of 23 and 27 to an underlying rain gutter 8.

Referring to (FIG. 21) it is illustrated that planes or elements embedded or inserted within channels present 23 a within the main body 23 may be of any shape or design that effectively captures and redirects water flow. 25 is representative of hard planar surfaces, 25 a or corrugated surfaces, and 25 b of perforated pipes or tubes. The invention is not limited to water directing elements incorporating the properties shown.

Referring to (FIG. 23) it is illustrated that water 7 will flow off of a roofing membrane 11 where it then contacts and is absorbed by absorbent or fibrous material 27. In the field, such gutter guard methods tend to coat and clog with oil and scum but, as is illustrated in (FIG. 23) water directing planes are inserted into the main body 27 of the invention which tend to create strong water flow providing a self-cleaning feature similar to that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,191,564 6,951,077 6,598,357 where Higginbotham teaches that planar surfaces placed beneath and contacting filtering membranes create such strong self-cleaning water flow paths. In this embodiment 27, the receiving channels 23 a may be significantly larger than the planes 25 inserted within them and may be lined with elements that encourage water flow.

Also illustrated in (FIG. 23) are scoring areas 27 a illustrating that the embodiment may be pre-scored to allow for removal of material and height adjustment at the time of installation. It is also shown that the insertable planes 25 a may incorporated curved or other shaped tops that encourage redirection of water flow. Also illustrated is a perforated injection hose or pipe 30 which may be imbedded within the main body of this embodiment 27 for the dispersion of soap or other cleaning agents: The injection hose 30 would be attached to a solid pipe or hose placed within a downspout and connected on the ground to a common hose with attachable dispersing flask or to a dedicated pump and chemical dispersing unit. Such a system 30 could also serve as a component of a vacuum unit that would aid in water removal during extremely heavy rainfall or as a component of a forced air heating system. The insertable gutter guard element may employ any prior art method of fastening or securing to the front top lip of rain gutter.

Operation

Referring to (FIGS. 11 and 12) Water 7 will flow off of a roofing element 11 where it then contacts and forms a water adhesive bond and flow path with the top surface 1N1 of the present invention 1Na. The curved nose element 1 n 2 of the invention is positioned so that it extends far enough forward that at least some portion of it's top surface is exposed to and in the path of water flow ensuring fast flowing water does not overshoot the curved nose element and fail to be directed downward. Once water has contacted and formed the adhesive bond and flow path with the top surface of 1N1 it tends to continue adhering to the underlying material 1N1 is composed of and will follow the curved surface downward where it will be, initially, further slowed by entering channel 1 n 4 and then drop downward along plane 1 n 8 and into an underlying gutter. Prior art drip edges perform a similar function but, since they are normally positioned so that their forward most top edge is comprised of a very tight small radius curve and is retracted beneath and rearward from a shingle's edge, they basically capture only the small volume of water that tends to wrap around the forward terminal edge of a shingle and flow rearward. The recommended radius of 1 n 2 is at least ⅜ inch.

1Na is intentionally, in it's preferred embodiment, a “stand alone” element disconnected, not uni-bodily connected to, any other plane or water receiving element or structure that would contact or fasten to the front top lip of a gutter. This element of the invention (1Na) may be installed unilaterally (not in combination with any other element) to prevent water overshoot of an open rain gutter. If a rain gutter guard is also desired, and the invention is being retro-fitted to a roof with shingles already present the two piece aspect of the invention allows for two areas of rearward or forward adjustment of a gutter guard 6 during installation; the first being channel 1 n 4 into which the rear plane of a gutter guard inserts and the second being the area under shingles or other roofing elements where top plane 1N1 inserts. This provides greater positional adaptability for any gutter guard designed to have a rear plane inserted beneath shingles. Prior art such as is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 2,613,621 to Schraeder also accomplishes this but does not offer the additional advantage of capturing and redirecting water downward by means of an extended reverse curved nose element. In the present invention, 1Na is really the Schraeder invention with a front curved nose element in place of a downward extending plane.

Referring again to (FIG. 12), after water has been directed downward to an underlying gutter guard 6, it will drop through the water receiving areas of that gutter guard. Although the following aspect is prior art incorporated into the present invention, it is worth noting that it is much easier and safer to bend a gutter guard downward, if needed to accommodate height changes in the rain gutter (rain gutters normally descend from a high point downward toward a downspout) at the point it exits a plane receiving channel 1 n 4 and to slide and accomplish any adjustments within this channel than to try and accomplish this task at a point in a higher linear plane that is parallel to and immediately beneath a roofing element: adjustments made at that location tend to cause shingle breakage and it is very difficult and time consuming to create the “perfect” bend at that point that does not cause lifting of shingles. As an example; gutters in the field sometimes drop as much as 1 inch from a high point to a point 10 feet further down the fascia board because of uncommon structural considerations or improper hanging. If the homeowner cant' afford or doesn't wish to opt for a re-hanging of the gutters, the gutter guard must be retrofitted to the rapidly descending gutter. The gutter guard needs to descend downward from the point it exits the subroof at an angle that allows it to perfectly contact the front lip of a rain gutter and it should do this in a way that does not cause shingles to be lifted. If you cause shingle lift you are almost ensuring that you have created a breakage point in the shingle: right at the point where the shingles begin to lift. Over time a crack will form there. I have cut and re-cut and bent and re-bent many gutter guards trying to perfectly bend the rear plane of a gutter guard in the field so that it won't lift shingles and so that the front of the gutter guard will perfectly meet and secure to the front tip lip of a rain gutter: many factors make it difficult to do this such as where nails exist on a subroof, dipping of a sub-roof's terminal edge between rafters, other weird stuff that causes headaches and would take quite a bit of explanation . . . it's all out there lurking somewhere and it's a primary reason I quit installing gutter guards and started inventing them.

To achieve installation: First, 1Na is placed beneath shingles or another roofing element, the rear of it's plane 1N1 being trimmed if needed due to shingle nails being nailed very close to the terminal edge of a subroof. It is much easier to trim and re-trim and adjust a 3 or so inch wide piece of metal or plastic and reinsert it again and again beneath shingles, if needed, than it is to trim and re-trim and bend and re-bend a 6 to 9 inch wide gutter guard attempting to get a perfect rear insertion and front attachment to the gutter. Second, the rear plane of any gutter guard 6 that utilizes a rear plane, is inserted into channel 1 n 7 and may be trimmed or bent as needed to ensure a securing of the front of the gutter guard to the top front lip 8 a of a rain gutter. Installation is now accomplished. To the best of my knowledge, what is not taught in prior art is the recognition of improved water redirection that can be achieved by an adjustable positioning of a reversed curved element immediately beneath and in front of a roof covering's terminal edge that allows for an ideal placement of the reverse curve with respect to water flowing off of the terminal edge of roof shingles, or other roofing element, in relation to the water receiving area of a gutter guard. There are several examples of reverse curved elements preceding a water receiving area in unibodied Prior Art but none known to me of a method that allows for two areas of adjustment.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1. horizontally slit cylinder -   1 a. partial cylinder -   1 b. rearward extending under plane -   1 c. terminal edge of partial cylinder -   1 d. space between the terminal edge and the extended plane of     partial cylinder AP3 -   1 e. gutter guard element receiving channel -   1 f. curved connecting plane -   1 g. first under plane -   1 h. connecting plane between a first under plane and a second under     plane -   1 i. second under plane 1 j. connecting plane between a second     underplane and a third rearward extending Underplane: 1 b -   1K. first embodiment: slitted cylinder with downward extension -   1L. second embodiment: partial cylinder “clip cylinder” with     rearward extending plane -   1M. third embodiment: partial cylinder “clip cylinder” with a gutter     guard element receiving channel and a rearward extending plane -   1N. fourth embodiment: All Under Shingles RC with a gutter guard     receiving element -   1Na. an alternative embodiment of the fourth embodiment including a     downward extending: 3 drip edge -   1Nb. alternative embodiment: 1Nb including an element receiving     channel: 1 n 24 -   1Nc. alternative embodiment including a hinge rod receiving element:     1 n 10 -   1Nd. alternative embodiment including an arrow head or triangular     shaped shaped male -   1 n 12 and female 1 n 13 fastening system. -   1Ne. alternative embodiment including a perforated downward     extending plane: 1 n 8 and a rain deflecting downward extending     plane: 1 n 8 a -   1Nf. alternate embodiment including a perforated clamp receiving     shelf: 1 n 8 c -   1 n 1. top plane -   1 n 2. first curved connecting plane -   1 n 3. second plane -   1 n 4. second curved connecting plane -   1 n 5. third plane -   1 n 6. Opening -   1 n 7. gutter guard receiving channel -   1 n 8. drip edge element -   1 n 8 a. downward extending water deflecting plane -   1 n 8 b. perforated shelf extending horizontally from downward     extending plane 1 n 8 -   1 n 8 c. perforations for receiving clamp -   1 n 8 d. secondary downward extending plane incorporating a second     hinge receiving cylinder: 1 n 10 b -   1 n 8 e. downward extending v shaped pointed surface gripping     louvers -   1 n 9. receiving channel -   1 n 10. drip edge element terminating in a hinge rod receiving     cylinder -   1 n 10 a. secondary drip edge element -   1 n 10 b. secondary hinge receiving cylinder intrinsic to 1Nc -   1 n 12 a. arrow head shaped fastening element -   1 n 12 b. slotted top plane of arrow head shaped fastening element -   1 n 12 b 1. Open air slot present in slotted top plane of arrow head     shaped fastening element -   1 n 12 c. element receiving plane -   1 n 12 d. perforation for fastener -   1 n 12 e. water shield element -   1 n 12 f. bottom edge of arrow head or shaped fastening element -   1 n 12 g. element receiving channels present at the lowermost part     of downward extending plane 1 n 8 -   1 n 11. hinge rod receiving clip to be affixed to a gutter -   1 n 11 a. gutter hangar incorporating hinge receiving rod cylinder -   1 n 11 a 1. Cylindrical top element intrinsic to a gutter hangar -   1 n 12. drip edge element terminating in an arrow head or triangular     shaped terminal edge -   1 n 12 a. arrow head or triangular shaped element -   1 n 12 b. element receiving plane -   1 n 12 c. perforation for fastener -   1 n 12 d. water shield element -   1 n 12 e. bottom edge of arrow head or shaped fastening element -   1 n 13. receiving clip for arrow head shaped terminal edge -   1 n 13 a. gutter hangar incorporating a shaped element receiving     clip -   1 n 14. angled L-shaped plane: right side -   1 n 15. angled L-shaped plane: left side -   1 n 16. u-shaped channel of receiving clip for arrow head shaped     terminal edge -   1 n 17. Lower vertical planes of receiving clip for arrow head     shaped terminal edge -   1 n 18. hinge rod -   1 n 19. semi circular clamps -   1 n 20. gutter hangar incorporating semicircular clamp: 9 h -   1 n 21. perforations in downward extending plane: 1 n 8 -   1 n 22. hook clamp -   1 n 23. gutter hangar incorporating semi-circular hook clamp: 9 i -   1 n 24. Gutter hangar incorporating hook assembly -   1 n 24 a. front plane of hook assembly -   1 n 24 b. top plane of hook assembly -   1 n 24 c. rear plane of hook assembly -   1 n 25. upward extending securing plane -   1P. fifth embodiment: unibodied RC with recessed perforated plane:     1P1 incorporating upraised planes: 1 p 3 and filter receiving     channels -   1P1. recessed perforated plane -   1 p 2. perforations -   1 p 3. upraised planes -   1 p 4. slanted top plane -   1 p 4 a. v or w shaped top plane -   1 p 4 b. top plane incorporating upward or downward louvers or     tapered or other perforations -   1 p 5. louver with downward extending plane -   1 p 6. louver with upward extending plane -   1 p 7. front wall of upward extending plane -   1 p 7 a. rear wall of upward extending plane -   1Q. sixth embodiment unibodied RC with filter receiving channels -   1 q 1. top plane -   1 q 2. reverse curve -   1 q 3. filter receiving channel -   1 q 4. lower under plane -   1 q 5. downward extending plane -   1 q 6. perforated plane -   1 q 7. filter receiving channel -   1 q 8. front terminal plane that rests on top lip of a K-style     gutter -   1R. seventh embodiment non-unibodied RC with filter receiving     channels -   1 r 1. top element: reverse curve with rearward extending horizontal     plane: 1 r 3, and filter receiving channel: 1 r 1 -   1 r 2. bottom element: a clip to be affixed to the top front lip of     a gutter with a filter receiving channel: 1 r 8 and a water     directing downward extending plane: 1 r 7 -   1 r 3. top rearward extending plane -   1 r 4. reverse curve -   1 r 5. water receiving channel -   1 r 6. lower most rearward extending plane -   1 r 7. water directing downward extending plane -   1 r 8. water receiving channel -   1 r 9. forward extending plane -   1 r 10. downward extending water directing curve -   1 s. eighth embodiment: hanging rail system with intrinsic gutter     guard receiving channel -   2. slit or opening to receive shingle or roof covering element -   3. downward extending drip plane -   4. heat cable or other element receiving channel -   5. fastener -   6. common louvered or perforated or expanded metal or filter     material gutter guard -   6 a. water directing downward extension -   6 b. upward extending louver facing the forward flow of water -   6 c. downward extending louver -   6 d. perforations -   6 e. solid top plane of a common gutter guard -   6 f. forward positioned water receiving area or channel of a common     gutter guard -   7. water flow paths -   8. rain gutter -   8 a. gutter hangar -   8 b. top lip of rain gutter -   8 c. unibodied rain gutter with reverse curve top member (1P and 1 p     2) -   8 c. back vertical plane of a rain gutter -   8 d. top edge of the back vertical plane of a rain gutter -   9. point of contact between reverse curved plane, or rear extending     plane, and common gutter guard -   10. sub roof -   11. shingle or roof covering element -   11 a. forward portion or terminal edge of shingle -   12. perforations or louvered opening -   12 g. element receiving channels -   13. insertable cylinder or other element -   13 a. plane embedded porous filtration element -   14. drip edge element -   15. insertable recessed channel element -   16. filtration element -   16 a. stepped filtration element -   16 a 1. upward extending plane -   16 a 2. horizontal or downward extending plane -   16 a 3. water directing plane or assembly -   16 a 3 a. Water directing cylinders perforated on their top surface -   16 a 4. top plane of water directing plane: 16 a 3 -   16 a 5. downward extending plane of water directing plane: 16 a 3 -   16 b. inseamed filtration element with inserted water directing     plane: 16 b 5 -   16 b 1. front plane of inseamed filtration element: 16 b -   16 b 1 a. front concaved plane of inseamed filtration element: 16 b -   16 b 2. Downward or rearward extending water receiving channel     Inseamed filtration element: 16 b -   16 b 3. Rear and upward extending plane of inseamed filtration     element 16 b -   16 b 4. Rear and downward extending plane of inseamed filtration     element 16 b -   16 b 5. Recessed channel or inseam -   16 b 6. Insertable plane -   17. fascia board -   18. top member to be slid under roofing membrane -   19. bottom member to be affixed to the top lip of a rain gutter -   21. Clip on element -   22. hanging rail assembly -   22 a. platform -   22 b. downward extending plane -   22 c. L-shaped receiving ledge -   22 c 1. L-shaped bracket -   22 c 2. Fastening assembly -   22 d. stabilizing element -   22 e. top surface contacting L-shaped plane -   22 f. bottom surface contacting L-shaped plane 22 g. reverse curve     element or gutter guard receiving channel -   22 g 1. top plane of receiving channel -   22 g 2. bottom plane of receiving channel -   22 i. Insertable reverse curve element -   22 i 1. under plane of Insertable reverse curve element 22 i -   22 i 2. Second under plane of Insertable reverse curve element 22 i -   23. shaped filter: a filter of sufficient mass to contain plane     receiving channels or inseams and a filter which may be readily     trimmed to adapt to any rain guard configuration. -   23 a. open element receiving sleeve, inseam, or channel -   24. shaped filter with imbedded or inserted or attached pipe or hose     system -   24 a. receiving channel for pipe or hose system -   25. water directing plane or element of any shape or material that     facilitates the redirection of water flow and/or that may possess     cleaning properties -   25 a. water directing insertable corrugated plane -   25 b. water directing perforated cylinder assembly -   25 c. water directing L-shaped plane -   26. pipe or hose system that may be optionally perforated -   26 a. soap and water or other dispensing system -   27. alternate embodiment of a shaped filter placed inside a rain     gutter illustrating Score marks for trimming -   27 a. Pre scored areas allowing portions of the shaped filter to be     removed to lessen height of the filter allowing for adaptation to     varying roof pitches -   28. Open air space existing between the bottom edge 1 n 12 e, or the     arrow head shaped element and the top edge 8 d of the rear vertical     plane of a rain gutter -   29. common design reverse curve gutter guard -   30. perforated injection hose or pipe 

1. A water directing device for mounting above a rain gutter, the water directing device comprising: an elongated body of extruded, stamped, or roll formed material the elongated body including: a first plane that extends and rests on top of a building's sub roof; a curved plane that connects to and extends away from the first plane wherein the curved plane has a diameter equal to or greater than approximately ⅜ inch and wherein the curved plane is fully exposed past the terminal edge of a roof cover; an element receiving channel that connects to and is beneath the curved plane; a second plane that connects to the element receiving channel and extends in a direction away from the element receiving channel.
 2. The water directing device of claim one wherein the curved plane incorporates a recessed well for the insertion of planes or elements that, by means of water washing over them, disperse copper or zinc or other mold killing or oil dispersing substances, wherein the recessed well immediately proceeds the curved plane or is incorporated within the top to center portion of the curve, wherein a portion of the insertable element is exposed to open air.
 3. The water directing device of claim one wherein segmented tubular shapes are connected to the second plane to serve as hinge receiving channels.
 4. The water directing device of claim one wherein a triangular shaped element is connected to the second plane to serve as a male fastening element.
 5. The water directing device of claim one wherein an element receiving clip may be affixed to the top rear wall of a rain gutter wherein the receiving clip has a triangular shaped top portion such portion having a top plane wherein the top plane has an open channel.
 6. The water directing device of claim one wherein a third plane and a fourth plane are connected to the second plane: one extending forward and away from the second plane and one extending rearward and away from the second plane wherein the third and fourth planes are parallel to each other.
 7. The water directing device of claim one and claim six wherein a fifth plane is connected to the lower terminal edge of plane two wherein the sixth plane extends forward and away from and rearward and away from the second plane wherein the fifth plane in combination with the third and fourth planes forms a receiving channel for gutter hanging clips or elements.
 8. The water directing device of claim one wherein slots or openings exist in the second plane for the insertion of male inserting portions of gutter suspension or hanging elements.
 9. The water directing device of claim one and claim six wherein clips may be affixed to the top rear wall of a rain gutter wherein such clips are positioned sequentially so that a forward male hoop element inserts from behind the second plane through receiving slots present in the second plane and a rearward facing male hoop element inserts from in front of the second plane through receiving slots present in the second plane.
 10. The water directing device of claim one whereby a sixth plane extends upward and away from the front surface of plane two onto which may be hung a water directing shield.
 11. The water directing device of claim one whereby the curved plane may have it's upper surface rest on top of roofing elements.
 12. The water directing device of claim one and claim eleven whereby any portion of the device may be perforated, louvered, screened or filtered, to further direct water flow.
 13. The water directing device of claim one and claim eleven where the invention may telescope laterally in descending segments or in unibodied fashion.
 14. A gutter hanging assembly whereby a first plane is parallel to and spaced a distance from a fascia board by means of a second top plane and a third bottom plane that extend rearward in a direction away from the first plane and toward a fascia board; the top plane being connected to a fourth plane that is parallel to the fascia board and the bottom plane being connected to a fifth plane that is parallel to the fascia board and whereby a sixth plane is connected to the top portion of the first plane and extends forward, downward, and away from the first plane acting as a water directing plane and backsplash.
 15. A gutter hanging assembly of claim eleven whereby a seventh plane is connected to and is beneath and parallel to the sixth plane forming a receiving channel for a plane of a gutter guard or water directing element.
 16. A gutter hanging assembly of claim eleven whereby an eighth angled plane Is connected to the first plane in an area beneath the sixth and/or seventh plane and serves as a shelf on which to hang the rear wall of a rain gutter.
 17. A water directing debris preclusion device whereby a porous material incorporates water directing planes, channels, or elements within the body of the material to create definite water flow paths, such porous material being adapted to fit within a rain gutter or gutter guard.
 18. A water directing debris preclusion device whereby a portion of the device consists of upward raised hollow planes with areas of the planes being perforated or louvered. 